MOSCOW, July 6, 2018 (News Wires) - Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov says his team feels inspired by phone calls from President Vladimir Putin ahead of its World Cup quarterfinal against Croatia. Cherchesov says "the support of the head of state is important for us and the players know about it and it's extra motivation." While Putin has watched only Russia's opening 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia, Cherchesov says "he has called me several times, and both before and after the game against Spain." Russia beat Spain on Sunday in a penalty shootout in the last 16. Russia plays Croatia in Sochi on Saturday, for a potential semifinal against England or Sweden. The Kremlin has said Putin doesn't plan to attend the quarterfinal.